Program Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE\: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

a.    Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Section for Coordination of Developed Countries in the Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC) in the Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector.  TDC provides advisory services, capacity building and technical assistance towards the implementation of cooperation programs and the widespread access to and use of services provided by WIPO in Central European, Baltic States, Mediterranean, Caucasian, Central Asian and Eastern European and Transition and Developed Countries.

The Section for Coordination of Developed Countries focuses on bringing the WIPO services and developments to the attention of a broader audience in developed countries.  It has a coordinating role internally, working with other programs and services, and an outreach and promotional role externally.  Closely linked to this promotional role the Section is focused on measuring the impact of its outreach activities on the use of WIPO services.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent supports the management of the Section and Division by contributing to the planning, implementation and monitoring of results-oriented projects, policy initiatives and outreach activities with particular emphasis on strategic stakeholders, current and potential private sector and industry users, and the use of modern IT tools for the benefit of right holders and IP Offices. The incumbent further provides high-quality drafting and coordination support for diplomatic and strategic engagements, including high-level missions and cross-regional initiatives, contributes to evidence-based reporting on outreach results and follow-up actions, and supports future growth-oriented activities related to the promotion of WIPO Global IP Services and targeted communication and engagement packages.

c.     Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Division.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.   Provide substantive input, advice and support for designing, managing and implementing results-based, high-impact IP projects, policy initiatives and skills-building programs focused on SMEs, creators, innovators and communities to generate value through IP in a timely and efficient manner.

b.   Establish and maintain close relations with stakeholders in developed countries and coordinate cooperation with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, private sector actors and other strategic partners in support of outreach, policy dialogue and project implementation.

c.   Contribute to developing new projects and initiatives by selecting and summarizing background information, identifying country needs and priorities, and drafting segments of project proposals and related implementation plans.

d.   Prepare and revise technical reports, concept notes, briefings, correspondence and talking points related to technical assistance, diplomatic engagements, high-level missions, strategic outreach and future growth communication activities; contribute to end-of-year summary reporting on outreach results, outcomes and impact.

e.   Support the preparation of the Section's work plan in collaboration with the Program Managers, and monitor implementation in a timely and efficient manner, including tracking milestones, KPIs, progress updates and supporting documentation for assigned activities.

f.    Assess local contexts and develop proposals for targeted outreach, promotional and future growth efforts, including uptake-oriented and user-promotion actions, awareness raising activities on WIPO services, social media campaigns and tailored communication packages, with a view to promoting awareness, implementation and use of WIPO Global IP Services and other relevant WIPO-administered treaties and systems in line with country priorities and readiness.

g.   Serve as an intermediary between different Sectors/Divisions in the Organization and the Member States. Support sectors in establishing contacts in the region, guide on challenges and issues in the countries concerned, assist sectors in implementing their programs, and support follow-up tracking and cross-regional coordination where required.

h.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations or another relevant discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience in intellectual property or in international coordination and cooperation.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Sound knowledge of project management methodologies.

Sound knowledge of the business and administrative procedures of national IP institutions.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

1.     Communicating effectively.

2.     Showing team spirit.

3.     Demonstrating integrity.

4.     Valuing diversity.

5.     Producing results.

6.     Showing service orientation.

7.     Seeing the big picture.

8.     Seeking change and innovation.

9.     Developing yourself and others.

Annual salary\:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.  Please note that this estimate is for information only.  The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.  The figures quoted below are based on the March 2026 rate of 90.5%

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.  Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.